A wow-wee (pricey) over-the-top 6 feet tall and 5 feet wide dollhouse that's big enough to use with American Girl and other 18" dolls. Our testers couldn't get over how enormous this pretend setting is when fully constructed. Our parent testers thought this 100% pine wood frame went together well. The front of the house has a design --but here's the deal. SAFETY NOTE: You have to use the SAFETY STRAP included to prevent this oversized structure from tipping over. So the design on the front isn't something you're going to see once you've put it together and secured to the wall. Of course this means that this is also a dollhouse for playrooms with lots of space. The product is marked for kids 8 & up, but we know it will be purchased for kids much younger - and even tall 8 year olds will need a stool to reach the top. So the safety strap is essential.

Our testers loved the challenge of this grid puzzle where you are working both sides of the vertical board. You have to completely fill both sides of the board with the 11 colored pieces. There are 60 challenges included. Each of the pieces have different configurations which makes it all that more difficult. The game is small and compact enough to take along as a "real life" game.

Age: Later School Years, Tweens, Teens.
Award Year: 2013.
Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Skipit is a completely huggable dog done in soft short cream with licks of cocoa around his face, his paws and down his back. Deliciously cozy. A portion of the proceeds from this line goes to charities that support orphans and abandoned children around the world. When we first received him, he shed some of his hair so we would not recommend him for a child under 3.

A white and pink highchair that comes with not only a cushion for your doll but with the option to convert the highchair into a table and chair. Dolls 12" to 17" will fit comfortably in this chair that provides an added prop for pretend play.

Age: Preschool, Early School Years.
Award Year: 2013.
Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Just right for strolls with your child's favorite doll or huggable. Our testers love that this stroller looks like the real thing including a seatbelt for making sure your baby is safe. It's designed for baby dolls 12" to 17" tall. You'll love that it's lightweight and folds. Giving kids doll accessories is a wonderful way to extend the play opportunities. You'll often hear your own language as kids tend to their own huggables. 3 & up.

Wobbly is a light carmel-colored bear with long legs, long arms and slightly distressed plush. He's skinnier in person than his picture appears. Has a velvety feel and stitched features, but is only surface washable.

A new collection of fashion dolls has just stepped onto the runway. Inspired by her childhood love of Barbie and a career that started with designing dolls of color for Mattel, Stacey McBride-Irby has just introduced Valencia, a Latina from Mexico City and Lena, a Business Girl from North Carolina. Like women of color, the Prettie Girls dolls come in varying skin tones and hair. Lena, the Business Girl is 11.5 inches tall and big on working out and other sports. She comes dressed for an active life style. They say 3 & up, we'd say this is going to be better for 5's and up who have the dexterity to deal with the fine details.

A new collection of fashion dolls has just stepped onto the runway. Inspired by her childhood love of Barbie and a career that started with designing dolls of color for Mattel, Stacey McBride-Irby has just introduced Valencia, a Latina from Mexico City and Lena, a Business Girl from North Carolina. Like women of color, the Prettie Girls dolls come in varying skin tones and hair. Valencia, the Athletic Girl is 11.5 inches tall and big on working out and other sports. She comes dressed for warm weather and an active life style. They say 3 & up, we'd say this is going to be better for 5's and up who have the dexterity to deal with the fine details.

A fun new construction toy that will stick onto any smooth surface thanks to the suction cup designs on the various shapes. They’re made of silicone and come in bright colors. We had a fun time building with them on the counter top, throwing them on to the ground to see which would stick to the wood floor and then throwing them at the wall (that was harder than we thought it would be). Comes in sets of 24 or 50. Marked 3 & up, but more like 5 & up.

Age: Early School Years.
Award Year: 2013.
Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.

Kids can collect and observe their live finds in this clearview housing that works with wet or dry conditions. The clear view container is water-tight and has a mesh lid so critters can breathe. There is a sturdy carrying handle. 5 & up.

Age: Early School Years, Later School Years.
Award Year: 2013.
Click here to purchase the product on Amazon.com.